Application Deadline : 28-May-21 (Midnight New York, USA)
Time left : 7d 1h 53m
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 02-Jun-2021
Duration of Initial Contract : 45 working days
Expected Duration of Assignment : during 4 months (June -September 2021; part-time, online, telecommuting)
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Background
Since late 2016, Uzbekistan embarked on ambitious reforms, influencing every aspect of social, political and economic life. Today the country experiences a unique development momentum, key steps having been taken to enhance freedom of speech, promote human rights, citizen engagement and participation in national and regional legislative oversight processes. Current media reforms in Uzbekistan aim to strengthen the capacity of media actors and stakeholders, including social networks (bloggers, vloggers, etc.) and improve their linking role and dialogue function between the public sector and society.
As noted in the updated UN Common Country Assessment from March 2021, restrictions on the independence of the media have eased over the past four years, and the President has publicly stated that there must be no going back on reforms in freedom of speech. While the liberalization resulted in a jump of Uzbekistan ranking in the World Press Freedom Index from 169th in 2017 to 156th out of 180 countries in 2020, and back to 157th in the just released report.
Moreover, Human Rights Committee, in its concluding observations to the fifth periodic report of Uzbekistan on implementation of International Covenant on civil and political rights in 2020, further concerned that current legislation regulating mass communication, information technologies and the use of the Internet unduly restricts freedom of expression, including: (a) the requirement to register online information dissemination platforms, including blogs, as media outlets; (b) regulations on content removal and the suspension of licences; and (c) restriction or blocking of online media platforms on vaguely defined criteria.
Media should contribute to the freedom of speech, pluralism and participation as well as social cohesion and peace. For this end, media’s independence and freedom are crucial preconditions. It is necessary to ensure that media regulation does not lead to a limitation of freedom by the state, but rather strengthens freedom and pluralism as well as competitiveness, and protection of minors’ rights. This, in turn, necessitates conducting regulatory, policy and strategic framework analyses, and enhancing the enabling environment, legal frameworks, policies and regulations for a robust media sector in Uzbekistan.
The expected output of the consultancy is an assessment report and a conceptual framework/strategy that provides key recommendations and strategic entry points for inclusive, gender-sensitive, and sustainable media development in Uzbekistan. The assessment of the media sector in Uzbekistan will be conducted using, but not limited to, the Swiss Development Cooperation Guidelines for Media Assistance (see Annex 1), adapted further to the context of the country.
The assessment mission consisting of an international senior team leader and a team of two national consultants who will be recruited in parallel (Media, Communications and Journalism Expert and Digitalization/New Media Consultant). Please refer to the proposed division of labor below.
The incumbent will work in close collaboration with Cluster Leader on Good Governance and relevant UNDP projects and advised by the regional Governance Policy Adviser from the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub.
Duties and Responsibilities
1.Scope of work
Under the guidance of UNDP GGC Leader and Deputy Resident Representative, the International Consultant (Team Leader) will be responsible to following tasks and responsibilities:
Overall lead and technical expert on developing the methodology, analytics and recommendations
Coordinate the various research pieces, interviews, focus group discussions, consultations, etc., in coordination with UNDP and the local consultants
Ensure alignment of the analysis and recommendations with international standards and benchmarks with regard to media development
Bring in practices and examples from other countries on media development, including on rights-based approaches to addressing misinformation and disinformation
Lead the forecasting and analysis of media audience, trends and revenue streams across media channels together with national consultants
Prepare an inception report with a detailed methodology for the assessment with clear timelines and milestones to complete the assignment within 45 days. The methodology should include specific adaptations (if any) and analysis of approaches, gaps and opportunities to collect data and information as related to the checklist in the SDC Guidelines, but with strong focus on independence, quality, and reach as key dimensions of quality media (see Annex 2).
Conduct a state-of-the-art analysis of the media sector encompassing the public, private, independent/non-profit, and new media players, focusing on:
A political economy analysis of the media sector including a review of existing legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks, gaps and opportunities for long-term development with special attention to promotion and protection of human rights particularly as related to freedom of expression and media independence;
A review of available media channels – print, television, radio, new media – and their current quality status, including with regard to content, professionalism, fact-based articles and analysis, relevance to particular target groups, use trends and reach
Targeted, representative analysis of the media sector with special emphasis on:
Institutional policies, frameworks, and systems related to editorial independence, media integrity, transparency, and agility to respond to emerging news and media developments in the country;
Gender equality, gender advocacy and mainstreaming, and gender-balanced programming
Capacity development and learning needs as related to infrastructure, technology, and technical professional journalistic skills, ethics and integrity, leadership, among others;
Conduct a forecast and analysis of media audience, trends and revenue streams across media channels (print, TV, radio, new media) to inform policy and programmatic options for further modernization of the media sector in the country, with attention to ensuring effective reach to population groups left behind in development processes.
Ensure inclusive, triangulated approach to data collection and analysis, including desk review of existing documents, review of legislation and regulatory frameworks, interviews with partners, and key stakeholders, focus group discussions, and launch surveys and online consultations, as needed
Lead the drafting and finalization of the assessment report and related substantive presentation of findings, lead the presentation of findings as part of at least two validation exercises, and ( finalize the report based on substantive feedback from UNDP, SDC, government partners and stakeholders.
Based on the findings and recommendations in the assessment report design a media development strategy (including related powerpoint presentation materials), identifying specific entry points, potential partners to engage, capacity development needs and mechanisms to deliver development support, lead its presentation to stakeholders, and revise the strategy according to substantive feedback from stakeholders. This media development strategy should include a clear theory of change encompassing a 5-10 years media development framework for the country.
Develop a programme (proposal) to help operationalize the stratregy, that will inform potential future media development project/s in line with SDC guideline, including a robust theory of change.
2.Deliverables
Deliverable 1: Inception report with clear methodology and detailed work plan, including division of labour among mission experts. Due date (within 5 working days after signing of contract- indicatively 5 June)
Deliverable 2: Assessment Report of maximum 30 pages (plus Annexes), describing the media sector in Uzbekistan along the proposed themes above, including an evaluation of the interaction between the different media actors/stakeholders. A Power-point presentation (or other visual aid tool) summarizing key findings and recommendations of the assessment report for a validation meeting. Due date: 20 July 2021 (25 working days)
Deliverable 3: A media development strategy consisting of a set of recommendations for the government, the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent, UNDP and other development partners for possible initiatives in the media sector in Uzbekistan, including a vision for potential future project/s in line with SDC guidelines and a robust theory of change. A Power-point presentation (or other visual aid tool) of the media development strategy for a stakeholders’ meeting. This includes an annex containing the media development programme proposal and pipeline project ideas.
Due date: 15 August 2021 (15 working days)
3.Proposed Outline of the media development strategy (15-20 pages without annexes)
Executive Summary /Introduction
Situation Analysis (overall background and specific context)
Vision and robust theory of change
Scope and Strategy (describe clearly the rational for the proposed intervention, suggest the outputs with related indicators, baselines and targets; define the methodological approach for implementation, including how the project outputs will be achieved)
Roles and Responsibilities of key partners/ Management Modality
Key activities / budgetary indications
Reference Documents
Swiss Regional Cooperation Strategy for Central Asia 2017 – 2021Central Asia
The role of media in creating inclusive, just and peaceful societies – Guidelines for SDC media assistance
Uzbekistan action strategy on five priority development areas in 2017-2021: priority area 1.3 Enhancing civil control over the public institutions: strengthening of the role of media, protection of professional activities of journalists;
Local legislation and regulations on media: 2007 Mass Media Law (amended in April 2018 ), the 1997 Law on the Protection of Professional Activity of Journalists (amended in April 2018), and relevant presidential decrees, such as the Decree on Regulating Foreign Media (amended in March 2018 )
UNDP’s Engagement with the Media for Governance, Sustainable Development and Peace
IV. Duration and Payment Conditions
First installment – 11% for deliverable No 1. Deadline: 4 June 2021 (5 working days)
Second installment – 55% for Output No 2. Deadline: 20 July 2021 (25 working days)
Third installment – 34% for Output No. 3. Deadline: 15 August 2021 (15 working days)
The total duration of the assignment will be 45 working days that will cover the period of May-August 2021. This is a part time-based lumpsum contract and the payment will be made upon successful completion of the outputs, and subsequent review and endorsement by the UNDP GGC leader and Deputy Resident Representative.
In the case of travel requested by UNDP CO (if COVID condition allows), payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNDP and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the ICs wish to travel on a higher class, he/she should do so using their own resources.
Competencies
Knowledgeable of different tasks relating to the media sector analysis;
Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and complex environment;
Ability to produce reports and high-level political analysis;
Capacity to dialogue with key stakeholder and high-level decision-makers as well as donors from the international community;
Required Skills and Experience
I. Education:
Master’s in Media, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law or related fields;
II. Experience:
At least ten years of professional experience in media freedom and media development;
Experience in policy advisory services on media governance, media sector assessment and media development at the international level (with the United Nations System a strong asset);
Good knowledge of the freedom of speech, political environment and media sector in the context of Central Asia and/or other regions of the former Soviet Union;
Experience in conducting media sector needs and gap analysis and assessments.
III. Language requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Good knowledge of Russian is a strong asset.
Application Process:
Interested candidates need to apply online at www.jobs.undp.org and upload requested documents in Part 4 of Procurement Notice no later than 28 May, 2021 (New York time). Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document. Your on-line applications submission will be acknowledged to your email address provided in application. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.
Link to application at the UNDP Job Site – https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=99271
(cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work).
You can review detailed Procurement Notice, Terms of Reference and download templates from the UNDP Procurement Notices Site following the link http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=78775 (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work).
Application submitted via email, incomplete applications or received after the closing date (28 May, 2021) will not be given consideration.
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Gender Balance in Management Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.
For more detailed information about UNDP Uzbekistan please visit our website at www.uz.undp.org UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.
Requests for clarification must be sent in writing to [email protected], ensuring that the reference number above is included in the subject line. UNDP shall endeavor to provide such responses to clarifications in an expeditious manner, but any delay in such response shall not cause an obligation on the part of UNDP to extend the submission date of the Proposals, unless UNDP deems that such an extension is justified and necessary.
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